What to do in Granada
Discover here what to do in Granada, the places and experiences you should not miss. Be sure to check out our tips!
Granada owes its tourist fame to the amazing Alhambra and the charming neighborhood of the Albaicín, but, trust me, the city has so much more to offer. Do not miss our tips and get to know the must see places of the city!
1. Alhambra
The Alhambra in Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful places in Spain. It’s an extensive complex of gardens, palaces and fortresses that captivate the visitor, the result of buildings that have been erected over the centuries by Arabs and Christian kings. Set aside half a day to stroll the complex calmly.
But most importantly, don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance. The number of visitors allowed inside the complex is limited and tickets are quickly sold out!
If you prefer to have a complete cultural experience, you should definitely book a guided tour.
2. Albaicín
The Albaicín (also written as Albayzín) is the neighborhood that was, along with the Alhambra, the heart of Muslim Granada. At the height of Arab rule in Granada, the Albaicín was home to more than 40,000 inhabitants, and around 30 mosques… Nowadays the neighborhood still preserves an intense Arabic flavor.
Actually, the narrow streets and whitewashed houses are still the same, but the inhabitants are an eclectic mix, and wealthy Granada home-owners enjoy their highly prized (and pricey) Cármenes, that come with priceless views of the Alhambra. It’s the perfect place to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets and alleys.
3. Mirador de San Nicolás
Within the old Arab neighborhood of the Albaicín there are several lookouts with spectacular views of the Alhambra. The most famous of them is the Mirador de San Nicolás.
It’s a place with such a beautiful view that it’s worth climbing up to it during the day and also at night to see the incredible spectacle – the beautiful Alhambra lit up. Don’t miss it!
4. Capilla Real de Granada
Personally, I find a visit to the Capilla Real far more interesting than the cathedral, and as it’s located right next door – it should be your next stop. The Capilla Real is the last resting place of Fernando and Isabel, the Catholic Monarchs, despite the fact that they had originally planned and built their mausoleum in Toledo.
They reconsidered where they should be laid to final rest after the reconquest, and today you can see them in the crypt of the Capilla Real. You may also view their encased jewels, robes, silver, and all the pomp and ceremony that went with them.
5. Tapas
Granada is the Spanish capital of tapas, the traditional Spanish snacks. Granada is famous in Spain for being the city where every drink comes accompanied by a complimentary tapa. Enjoy this delicious tradition!
In our guidebook ‘Granada In Two Days’ we take you to the best tapas bars in Granada!
6. Arab Baths
Located at the foot of the magnificent Alhambra Palace, and just behind the Iglesia de Santa Ana (once the site of one the city’s mosques), the Granada Arab baths were the first of their kind to reopen in Spain for almost 500 years, and are thought to stand on the exact same spot as the original, 15th century Hammam. The tranquil baths are beautifully designed with resplendent Arabian decor featuring candle-lit walkways, vaulted ceilings, marble benches and atmospheric chambers.
The experience consists of a 1.5-hour circuit of the baths’ three water pools – a warm pool of 36ºC (97ºF), a hot room of 40ºC (104ºF), and a cold room of 18ºC (64ºF). As you move between the different areas (at your own speed and in whichever order you like), you can also pause in the steam and rest rooms, and enjoy a delicious cup of traditional Arabic green tea infused with mint.
A truly memorable, sensual experience that will leave you feeling brand new!
7. Tea Houses
Another lasting tribute to Granada’s Moorish days is the sheer number of Arab-inspired tea houses, or teterías. A warm cup or two of traditional Arabic mint tea is the perfect pick-me-up in Granada when it starts to get cold…
Enjoy the same tradition that the inhabitants of Granada have been doing for many centuries; take Arab tea in one of the teterías of the Calle de las Teterías.
8. Shopping
For a true taste of Moorish style, head to the Alcaicería in Granada, which you may enter just down from the cathedral, on the street of the same name. Not exactly a monument, but originally a series of connecting streets, filled with wares such as precious silks and spices during Arabic times.
Today, you can buy your Granada holiday souvenirs here, choose from leather-work, pashminas, ceramics, and clothing. It’s a popular and busy spot, the shops are packed inside and out with their colorful goods, and it can get really crowded. But beware because it’s also a popular area for pickpockets.
Do you need more information on Granada?
This article is part of a complete guide about Granada where you can read all the information you need to plan your trip to this amazing destination in Spain.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. When to visit Granada
2. How many days to spend in Granada
3. How to get to Granada
4. How to move around Granada
5. Granada hotels: where to stay in Granada
6. What to eat in Granada
7. What to do in Granada
8. Tips to visit the Alhambra in Granada
9. How to buy tickets to the Alhambra in Granada
10. Alhambra tickets sold out. What can you do?
11. Is the Alhambra night visit worth it?
Find out more with ‘Granada In Two Days’
‘Granada In Two Days’ is a complete 60+ pages guide featuring exclusive content, relevant websites, rich designed maps and dozens of photos, allowing you to explore Granada before you set a foot in Spain.
It contains a detailed step-by-step walkthrough of two full days self-guided walks with all the directions and practical information necessary to go from one highlight to the next.
Everything that you will read is based on practical and organized Granada first-hand advice. The self-guided walks have been personally tested to make sure that you can do it on your own. So all you have to do is download it to start reading immediately, all with one click.